Deep spiritual life, based in sacraments, is the soul of apostolate, says Pope

Pope John Paul II, on receiving participants in the General Chapter of Augustinian Recollects this morning, spoke on the necessity of founding “authentic renovation” and “apostolic initiative” on a “deep spiritual life.”

The Pope expressed the Church's gratitude "for their life witness as consecrated religious and for their apostolic activity carried out in 18 countries and three continents" where they are present.

The Chapter "is a decisive moment for the life of the order," said the Holy Father. It is also "an eminent expression of the unity that must reign among all religious around the one vocation and mission of the Church."

"A deep spiritual life," said the Pope, "so linked to your tradition of observance and contemplation, interior life and tireless search for God, is always the starting point for authentic renovation and the soul of every apostolic initiative."

“Progress in the supernatural life, based on arduous prayer and participation in the sacraments, is a fundamental premise for fruitful apostolic activity,” he said.

The Pope stressed “in particular, the Eucharist, which is the real presence of Christ in the history of man. It is also the 'font and epiphany' of the fraternal communion that must reign in your communities and must be a lively message of peace in a world frequently dominated by rivalry and conflict."